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Entertainment & Arts

Joaquin Phoenix versus Andy Kaufman

By Todd Martens and Patrick Kevin Day When Joaquin Phoenix announced he was giving up his successful acting career to pursue a career in hip-hop, people raised their eyebrows. When Phoenix then made a mumbling, zoned-out appearance on "Late Show With David Letterman," people began drawing comparisons with long-deceased comedian Andy Kaufman. He's back now, with "The Master," but his career highs and lows have made his life a work of living theater. Whether Phoenix knew what he was doing remains unclear, but here is a look back at his career that may warrant a comparison to Kaufman -- an actor whose time in the spotlight was marked by similar gray areas.

By Todd Martens and Patrick Kevin Day

When Joaquin Phoenix announced he was giving up his successful acting career to pursue a career in hip-hop, people raised their eyebrows. When Phoenix then made a mumbling, zoned-out appearance on “Late Show With David Letterman,” people began drawing comparisons with long-deceased comedian Andy Kaufman.

He’s back now, with “The Master,” but his career highs and lows have made his life a work of living theater. Whether Phoenix knew what he was doing remains unclear, but here is a look back at his career that may warrant a comparison to Kaufman -- an actor whose time in the spotlight was marked by similar gray areas.  (Matt Sayles / Associated Press)

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The music connection:

In October 2008, Phoenix announced his retirement from acting. His next project: a hip-hop career. His life as a rapper has been marked by a series of rather absurd performances -- he tripped off a stage in Las Vegas and he tackled a fan in Miami. It’s all inspired many to question whether or not the whole thing is a big joke. Phoenix insists he’s serious. The whole career change is being caught on film by pal Casey Affleck, who is supposedly making a documentary about Phoenix’s career switch.  (Seth Browarnik / Associated Press)

The comedian connection:

Long respected in the acting community, Phoenix’s recent antics have made him a beloved target by comedians and impersonators. In the recent award season, director Frank Coraci appeared on stage at the Independent Spirit Awards as Phoenix and Ben Stiller, pictured, donned the Phoenix beard for the Oscars.  (Mark J. Terrill / Associated Press)

The sidekick connection:

Phoenix enlisted -- or was accompanied by -- pal and fellow actor Casey Affleck in all of his stunts -- err, appearances. He’s reportedly filming a documentary about Phoenix’s career switch. Although many see Phoenix as undertaking an elaborate stunt, he maintains the career shift is very real. Is Affleck documenting it all? Or is he in on the ruse and just trying to lend it an air of credibility?  (Matt Sayles / Associated Press)

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